Matrix-based approach to sequence analysis in multiple reentrant flowlines

This paper presents a method for extension of matrix model of manufacturing system in order to provide an efficient tool for analysis of systems with various dispatching sequences of shared resources. Proposed method is used for transformation of system matrices in linear max-plus model. Once the linear model is determined sequence feasibility can be checked. Furthermore, the method provides a straightforward procedure for production cycle calculation and resource utilisation. Efficiency of presented technique is demonstrated on a manufacturing system example at the end of the paper.